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Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe because it brings together the nutty richness of almonds with a bright, fruity twist that’s just unforgettable. When I first tried these cookies, I was amazed at how the freeze-dried raspberries added such a fresh pop of flavor without any added moisture messing with the texture. They bake up delightfully chewy on the inside with beautifully cracked, slightly crunchy tops—just the perfect little bite.

You’ll find that this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe is perfect for anytime you want a delicate, elegant treat that’s not too sweet but still full of personality. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, looking for a gluten-free dessert option, or just craving something a little special with your afternoon coffee, these cookies really deliver. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make once you know the little tricks that keep them from drying out or cracking too much.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright Raspberry Flavor: The freeze-dried raspberries give a concentrated fruitiness with zero extra moisture.
  • Delicate but Durable Texture: Crispy on the outside and chewy inside, perfect for dunking or snacking.
  • Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples that come together quickly without fuss.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Made with almond flour, so it’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for special diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of almond flour and freeze-dried raspberries forms the base of this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe, and each ingredient plays an important role in balancing texture and flavor. Here are some pointers for choosing the best versions of each to ensure the cookies turn out beautifully every time.

  • Almond Flour or Very Finely Ground Almonds: Use finely ground to get a smooth dough and delicate crumb — I always sift mine to avoid clumps.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps form the cookie’s structure and adds sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
  • Freeze-Dried Raspberries: These offer intense raspberry flavor without adding moisture; grind them finely for even distribution.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet and nutty flavors.
  • Egg Whites: Serve as the binder and create the chewy texture; make sure they’re fresh and at room temperature.
  • Lemon Juice: Helps stabilize the egg whites for better structure and a subtle bright note.
  • Almond Extract: Enhances that classic amaretti almond flavor for a more aromatic cookie.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar: For dusting and rolling the dough balls to create that signature crackly sugar crust.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe to tailor it to different moods or occasions. You can easily switch things up without losing the essence of what makes these cookies so magical.

  • Nut Variety: I’ve sometimes swapped almond flour for hazelnut flour for a subtle twist that my family goes crazy for.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adding mini dark chocolate chips into the dough gives the cookies a lovely bittersweet contrast.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace egg whites with aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas—and you still get great texture, just be sure to whip it well.
  • Fruit Flavors: Feel free to swap the freeze-dried raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries for a fruity medley.

How to Make Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Working Surfaces

Preheat your oven to 300°F (about 150°C). Here’s a trick I discovered that makes a big difference: stack two medium-weight cookie sheets one inside the other before baking. This double-layer acts as an insulator, preventing the bottoms of your cookies from getting too brown or burnt while the insides cook through perfectly. Line the top cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat because that’s where your cookie balls will rest.

Step 2: Grind the Freeze-Dried Raspberries

Using a spice grinder or a small food processor, grind your freeze-dried raspberries until they’re a fine, powdery consistency. This step ensures the raspberry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough for a uniform deliciousness and helps prevent little dried flakes that could stick out or make the texture uneven.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, and your freshly ground raspberry powder until everything is well incorporated. I find that this helps to avoid lumps and makes mixing with the wet ingredients so much easier.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites to Soft Peaks

In a clean mixing bowl or your stand mixer’s bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and lemon juice together. You want to reach soft peaks — this means when you lift the whisk, the peaks hold but the tips gently fold over. This stage is crucial because it adds air and structure, giving your cookies that beautiful chewy texture.

Step 5: Bring it All Together Into Dough

Pour the whipped egg whites and almond extract into the dry ingredients. Stir gently at first, then knead lightly with your hands if it gets too sticky. Don’t worry about being delicate here—you’re not making macarons, so give the mixture a good fold until it comes together in a soft, sticky dough. I usually dust my hands lightly with confectioners’ sugar to keep things from sticking when I shape.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat Your Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop to portion out about 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each gently between your palms to smooth it out, then roll each ball thoroughly in confectioners’ sugar. This coating creates the iconic crackled sugar crust as the cookies bake. Arrange them spaced about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet so they don’t stick together.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are cracked and the bottoms have a barely golden tint. (If you’re not using doubled cookie sheets, keep a close eye after about 25 minutes — they’ll brown faster.) If you like your cookies on the crunchier side, pop them back in for an extra 5 minutes or until the tops begin to turn golden, but keep in mind they are beautifully chewy straight out of the oven! When done, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe

  • Double Baking Sheets: Stacking two cookie sheets is a game changer—it keeps the bottoms from crisping too fast and burning.
  • Grinding Raspberries Finely: I learned that uneven or coarse bits in the dough don’t just look odd, they also affect texture.
  • Soft Peaks in Egg Whites: Hitting this stage just right is key to chewy cookies rather than dry or crumbly ones.
  • Don’t Overbake: Removing the cookies just as they start to brown keeps them deliciously tender inside; they firm up more as they cool.

How to Serve Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe

Round red cookies with a cracked surface covered in white powdered sugar are placed on a black cooling rack. One cookie at the center is broken open, showing a soft, crumbly red inside with a slightly golden base. The cookies sit on a soft pink cloth under the rack, and the whole scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to dust a little extra confectioners’ sugar on top before serving for an elegant snowy effect. Sometimes I even add a fresh raspberry or a small mint leaf on the plate for a splash of color and freshness that complements the cookies beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a rich espresso or a cup of Earl Grey tea. If you want to turn it into a dessert platter, a scoop of vanilla gelato or a small bowl of fresh berries works like a charm alongside the chewy raspberry bite.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe in pretty little glass jars tied with twine as handmade gifts. For holiday parties, arranging them on a slate board with fresh flowers and sprigs of rosemary makes a stunning centerpiece. They’re small and elegant, so they also look great nestled next to cupcakes or mini tarts on a dessert buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Raspberry Amaretti Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about five days, which is perfect for busy weeks. I’ve noticed that storing them with a slice of bread helps retain their moisture longer—try it, it really works!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the cookie dough balls before baking. Just shape and dust them with confectioners’ sugar, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To revive day-old Raspberry Amaretti Cookies, I gently warm them in a 275°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This softens them just a bit without drying them out and refreshes their delicate almond aroma. Avoid microwaving—they can become chewy in an unpleasant way.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour in the Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe?

    Almond flour is essential for the authentic texture and flavor—you won’t get the same chewy, nutty bite using regular flour. The recipe is naturally gluten-free because of this. If you want to experiment, consider a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture and taste will differ.

  2. Why do the cookies need to be rolled in confectioners’ sugar?

    Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar creates that signature crackled surface as the cookies bake. It also adds a touch of sweetness and helps prevent the sticky dough from adhering to your hands or the baking surface.

  3. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of freeze-dried in this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe?

    Fresh raspberries contain too much moisture, which would affect the cookie dough’s consistency and baking results. Freeze-dried raspberries deliver concentrated raspberry flavor without moisture, making them ideal for this recipe.

  4. How long do Raspberry Amaretti Cookies keep fresh?

    Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. They maintain their chewy texture well within this timeframe.

  5. Is this Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Because almond flour is used instead of wheat flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for people avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and sophisticated flavors. Baking these feels like a little celebration every time, and I love passing that joy on to friends and family. Next time you want a treat that’s both elegant and easy, give these cookies a try—you’ll enjoy the burst of raspberry balanced with that tender almond chew. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire too.

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Raspberry Amaretti Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24-28 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Raspberry Amaretti Cookies combine the nutty flavor of almond flour with the tart brightness of freeze-dried raspberries, resulting in soft, chewy cookies with a delicate crunchy exterior. Rolled in confectioners’ sugar and baked to perfection, they make an elegant treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups (200g) almond flour or very finely ground almonds, sifted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ounce freeze-dried raspberries, very finely ground (about 1/4 cup of ground raspberry powder)
  • pinch salt
  • 2 large egg whites (about 60 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • confectioners’ sugar, as needed


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Stack two matching, heavyweight, light to medium colored cookie sheets inside each other to prevent the cookie bottoms from browning too fast. Line the top cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Grind raspberries: Finely grind the freeze-dried raspberries using a food processor or spice grinder until they become a fine powder.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground raspberry powder until combined evenly.
  4. Whisk egg whites: In a separate bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites and lemon juice until soft peaks form, creating a light, airy foam.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the beaten egg whites and almond extract into the dry ingredients. Stir and knead the mixture gently by hand if necessary until a soft, sticky dough forms. Unlike macarons, gentle handling is not required here.
  6. Shape cookies: Lightly dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar. Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a smooth sphere, then roll it in confectioners’ sugar, coating fully. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  7. Bake cookies: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cookie tops are cracked and the bottoms are just barely golden. If not using the doubled cookie sheets, reduce baking time to around 25 minutes and watch closely to avoid overbrowning. For crunchier cookies, extend baking by 5 minutes or until the tops start to brown.
  8. Cool and store: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Using two stacked cookie sheets prevents the bottoms from browning too quickly, resulting in more evenly baked cookies.
  • Freeze-dried raspberries add vibrant color and tart flavor without adding moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter; keep a soft, sticky consistency for the best texture.
  • You can substitute almond flour with very finely ground almonds if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free treat, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Cookies can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 20g)
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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